High land value leads to 12% of Panvel farm land converted to non-agro use

NAVI MUMBAI:Panvel taluka has seen as much as 12% of the agricultural land being converted for non-agricultural purpose in the last six years, indicating the development in and around the area, said officials.

“Land owners are showing no interest in agriculture due to rise in land value and development of agriculture is limited to rural area,” said Panvel tehsildar Dipak Akde.

The taluka had 28,025 hectares (ha) of agricultural land in 2010, which came down to 24,740 ha in 2015. Around 3,285 ha of agricultural land has been converted for non-agricultural use, during this six-year period, the officials added.

“Most of the land was converted for residential housing projects. The conversion order was passed by the tehsildar’s office after completion of due procedure,” said Rahul Lomate, official, Panvel tehsildar office.

Of the 3,285 ha agricultural land converted for non-agricultural use, just 652 ha was for industrial purpose, while 2,186 ha was for other purposes in 2010.

Agricultural land conversion to industrial and other purposes was highest in 2010 but from 2011, not a single piece of land was converted for industrial purpose. The highest conversion of agricultural land (8%) was in 2010.

Akde added that increasing connectivity, upcoming airport project and real estate boom are the reasons for increasing number of agriculture land plots being converted for residential use. “The influx of reputed builders in and around Panvel is also a big reason,” he added.